Hi all, So, the small spring on the far side of the bottom cylinder of my SP-20 broke the other day (the one next to the chain). I replaced it, but I’m still having the same issue of the cylinder being too low on that side. It’s not inking at all, and the chain is […]
MoreAnimated Type! Call for Entries
Vandercook Composing Room Cylinder Info
Hello, My name is Bree and I have been given the task to restore the letterpress at Grand Valley State University. I believe we have a #17 Composing Room Cylindrer however I cannot find any information on this press. I am wondering if anyone can direct me to instructions or any information regarding this letterpress, […]
MoreRoad Trip
I’m planning to drive to the Ladies of Letterpress conference in Mt Pleasant IA in June 27-29. My route will put me on I-55 from Jackson MS through Memphis and near St Louis. If anyone is interested in my making a Vandercook service call along the way, send me a message via the contact page.
MoreUniversal III Power carriage drive motor/gearbox
Hello I’m the new owner of a Universal III P which arrived less the carriage drive motor/gearbox/clutch assembly. I have a very good machinist/electrician who has suggested he could adapt a small variable speed motor gearbox combination to fit. Trouble is he has no idea about motor hp, gear ratios, whether the motor would have […]
MoreA Nice Bit of Provenance
Last weekend I did three workshops for Slugfest Printmaking Workshop in Austin, Texas (a great book arts town). This came about because I facilitated their recent purchase of the SP20 for sale by Henry Morris of Bird & Bull Press. One of the principals, Tom Druecker, showed me Henry’s wonderful note about the press that is […]
MoreVandercook manual
Good morning, I am binder in France and last week I bought this vandercook press. I do not find informations on this model so I therefore need of your help a lot. Thank you
MoreMotors for SP-15s and maybe others
Before I begin, let me say: I do not need a motor and do not anticipate that I will need one anytime soon (or hope that I don’t). I am posting in hopes of inspiring some knowledgeable comments about replacement motors. In recent weeks, Katie Harper successfully replaced Sp15 motor. There was another post by […]
Morelooking for a universal 1 in san francisco (not to buy)
hello! i am visiting san francisco this week, and want to take a gander at a universal 1. i have one in mexico, and it has several very strange quirks that i can’t seem to get figured out. i’m hoping that seeing one in good condition (and meeting with a fellow printer) will help illuminate […]
MoreL.W. Claybourn
Leslie William “Lex” Claybourn (1883–1956) was a printing process pioneer who was issued over 200 U.S. patents. Like Horace Hacker and R.O. Vandercook, Claybourn worked to improve photoengraving and process plates and to reduce makeready. In 1921, he established Claybourn Process Corp. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which made, among other machines, a multicolor press that printed […]
MoreModerator’s News
I want to share two recent developments in my professional life that may be of interest to Vanderblog readers. First, I’m pleased to share that I have been awarded a short-term fellowship at the Newberry Library in Chicago. I will study its collection of printing trade journals as one of my efforts to expand a […]
MoreUniversal I – Replacement Motor
In response to the recent post regarding an SP- 15 needing a replacement motor, I thought I’d add my experience this week with our Universal I. This press had been hesitating at start-up for some time. On start-up, the drive roller would need a little nudge to get it going. (I believe the capacitor was […]
More